Dundee United striker Zac Sapsford is gaining attention for a Socceroos spot as injury concerns and forward depth issues highlight his skills and performance.
Socceroos coach Tony Popovic is facing mounting pressure to consider uncapped striker Zac Sapsford from Dundee United. This call comes from Ross Goodwin, the head of recruitment at the club, who has expressed surprise that Sapsford, 24, has yet to earn his first national selection, especially with Mohamed Toure of Norwich sidelined due to a long-term shoulder injury.
While Australia recently had commendable performances against Brazil, finding depth among their forwards remains a significant issue. Tete Yengi, who plays in Japan and has three caps, featured prominently in both matches but hasn't fully realized his potential as a first-choice striker yet.
This scenario might create an opening for Sapsford, the dynamic forward who consistently finds the net in crucial matches and is highly regarded among Dundee United fans. In his debut season, he scored 11 goals across all competitions, contributing significantly to a squad that has become a haven for Australian talent, including Lachie Rose and defender Josh Rawlins, both making valuable contributions on the pitch.
As of the current season, Sapsford has netted four goals in just 11 matches, making a robust case for inclusion in Australia's upcoming friendlies against Qatar and Jordan, leading up to the Asian Cup in January. Goodwin remarked, “Last year, I was surprised Zac hadn’t been called up. He’s scored important goals, including in the Dundee derby, against Celtic, and even netted in Europe.”
He continued, “With Toure potentially out for a while, it might prompt the coach to explore other options. Zac has been making a strong impression.” Sapsford transitioned to Dundee from Western Sydney Wanderers, where he scored 12 times in 48 appearances, showcasing his tireless work ethic and pressing style that Popovic values in a striker.
Goodwin added, “He needs to keep up his scoring, maintain focus, and continue working hard; recognition will surely come.” Currently, 13 Australians play in the Scottish top league, and Goodwin highlighted how the familiarity with dual citizenship simplifies recruitment processes and contributes to the integration of these players into their new environment.
“Zac qualifies for England, while Rawlins and Daniel Bennie can represent Scotland. The cultural similarities help them settle in, and some, like Bennie, have family connections here, which is a bonus,” he explained.
This influx of talent allows Australian players considerable playing time, providing greater visibility than they might achieve back home in the A-League. Goodwin pointed to examples like Rawlins, who started nearly every match last season, and Rose, who made an immediate impact by scoring against Rangers on his debut, underscoring the club’s successful approach in nurturing talent.
“The challenge lies in using this league as a stepping stone to England, as seen with players like Lewis Miller transferring from Hibernian to Blackburn. Historically, players excelling in Scotland have also caught the eye of the national team, although recent selections indicate the coach may be looking beyond our shores,” he observed.
Despite these challenges, he emphasized their commitment to supporting Australian players in securing national team recognition and transitions to larger leagues. He stated, “We have a clear strategy to bring in young talent like Zac, Josh, and Lachie, develop their skills, and facilitate opportunities for them to progress while also benefiting the club financially.”
While Goodwin sees Sapsford as the current frontrunner for a national team call-up, he also mentioned Rose as another candidate worth monitoring. The former Macarthur and Newcastle Jets striker has shown potential but needs more consistent play time to realize his talents on the pitch. Goodwin noted Rose’s attributes, saying, “If you’re after speed and energy, he certainly brings those qualities in spades.”
Goodwin is also keeping an eye on new A-League talents, recognizing the need to find players who can adapt to and flourish in the Scottish league, despite some being out of Dundee United’s financial reach.
“While I can't divulge specific names, we see the A-League as a viable pipeline for players who have the potential to thrive here,” he concluded.
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.